From ages,
it has been a tradition that women expect their husband's name post
marriage. This tradition has been followed by women everywhere around
the globe. However, times have completely altered this mindset. Lot
of changes have taken place on the marriage front. With same sex
marriages happening these days, the concept to legally change your
name after marriage has also seen lot of modifications.
Some
options that women have
As
mentioned earlier, preferences have changed with regards to changing
married name and women are nowadays seen using lot of options for the
same. Some of the options that women have are as follows:
- Taking the last name of spouse
- Keeping their own name as before
- Hyphenating own name and spouse's name
- Creating an altogether new name that is not same as both partners and using it
- Keeping their own name; however, using spouse's name for children or choosing the hyphenating option for them
Methods
to legally change your name after marriage
As is
clear above, options to change name after marriage are many. This
brings the topic about how to exactly engage in the process of
changing married name. There are two important methods that can be
used for this purpose as listed below.
- Change name via common usage
It is
entirely the wish and liking of the woman concerned whether she opts
to take up her spouse's name post marriage. However, if you really
intend to change your name to your husband's name, then common usage
method is relatively easy.
This
method has been traditionally followed and the wife was allowed to
adopt the name of her husband post marriage. This method is also
applicable for individuals who are into same sex nuptials. However,
as same sex nuptials are quite new, there are some states that are
yet to offer this method and hence, court orders will be necessitated
for the same.
For
utilizing this method, applicants need to follow the below mentioned
steps:
- You need to first get the marriage certificate copy that reflects the new name you desire to take
- You will then require to update the new name on the driver's license for which a copy of marriage certificate will be needed
- You will need to get Social Security Card changed with your new name which again will require your marriage certificate
- Updating the new name across insurance plans, banks, employer records and passport will be next in line
This
process can be considered as relatively simple for completion;
provided you have the marriage certificate in your possession. This
method is also good if you already have children or are planning to
give birth so that the entire family shares similar names. So overall
this method is quite simple. However, still if you feel to stay away
from all the paperwork, then opting for services of agencies engaged
in the name change process can be a good choice.
- Opting or court order to legally change name post marriage
Almost
every state renders online forms that need to be filled in order to
obtain a court order for changing your married name. You need to
visit websites of your respective courts to follow instructions or
meet clerks at the court desk for getting information regarding the
same. If you feel this is overwhelming, the hiring services of an
attorney is the option.
Both these
options can be completed easily if you are aware of the process and
have the time in hand to finish things. However, if you cannot spare
time and are not knowledgeable about the processes, then online
agencies involved in legal name change processes can be a beneficial
choice.
